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What are they doing here?

The first B-52 lands at RAF Fairford (Image: Mark Harding)

A Bomber Task Force deployment of B-52 Stratofortress aircraft, Airmen and support equipment from the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, have arrived in the U.S. European Command area of operations for a deployment to conduct theater integration and flying training.

The aircraft will operate out of RAF Fairford.

US Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa said: "The deployment of strategic bombers to the U.K. helps exercise RAF Fairford as United States Air Forces in Europe’s forward operating location for bombers.

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"The deployment also includes joint and allied training in the U.S. European Command theater to improve bomber interoperability.

"Training with joint partners, allied nations and other U.S. Air Force units contributes to our ready and postured forces and enables us to build enduring and strategic relationships necessary to confront a broad range of global challenges."

The arrivals come ahead of a planned Nato exercise in Georgia, which will see more than 20 allies and partners work with humanitarian organisations.

Boeing describes its B-52 as the most combat capable bomber in the US inventory.

It says: "Due to its high mission-capable rate, long range, persistence and ability to employ accurate standoff weapons and Joint Direct Attack Munitions, the B-52H continues to be a major contributor to the US and allied forces."